"Since the damage has started appearing, we have had almost zero contact from the freeholders, Keso Investement Ltd, who have been unhelpful and unpleasant since the beginning.

"They knew I was pregnant prior to any work starting, but have made no effort to reduce any noise or discomfort the building work is causing."

Maria claims that initially the cracks that appeared were just hairline cracks, but these have since increased in width and depth and she and her husband, Dave, 37, are struggling to cope through worry.

Cracks started appearing soon after the work started, Maria claims (Image: Maria Aristotelous-Newark)

"It has affected us emotionally and financially. I have lost count of how many times I have broken down crying as a result of what we're being put through," said Maria.

Maria, Dave and their newborn son temporarily moved out of the flat due to personal safety concerns, and booked themselves into a Travelodge.

They have also been staying with Dave's parents in Somerset to avoid living in the flat.

A surveyor visited the ground floor of the building, which is in the process of being turned into a takeaway, and, according to Maria, deemed the building structurally sound.

The ground floor of the building is undergoing major construction work (Image: Maria Aristotelous-Newark)

But Maria does not feel that this was good enough, as she does not think surveying the ground floor gives an indication of the damage in her flat above.

"I don't see how they can say the site is safe. If they actually looked at the cracks on our walls I think they would probably have a different point of view," she said.

Maria Aristotelous-Newark, her husband Dave and their son Zachery (Image: David Cook)

"Some of the cracks are now nearly two centimetres wide and I honestly worry it could collapse if the building work continues.

"At one point, the building was shaking so much it felt like an earthquake.

"I am from a country where earthquakes happen so I know how that feels."

Comparison photos showing Maria's light switch 'before and after the building work started' (Image: Maria Aristotelous-Newark)

Maria says the lack of contact she claims she has had with the freeholder and builders has been distressing, as she simply wants to live in a home where she and her young family can feel safe.

"The damage is so bad that our doors no longer shut and the bathroom window won't open. We don't dare open the door to the balcony in case it doesn't shut," she said.

"I'm just thankful the front door still works or we wouldn't be able to escape quickly in an emergency."

Keso Investment Ltd and Hema Building have been approached by the Advertiser for a comment.